Joseph was born February 4, 1922 in Theresa, the son of Joseph and Ethel Towe Kirkby.

He worked for Antwerp Roofing Company for twenty years. Joseph also worked as a self-employed roofer in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Jersey for several years. He drove “Meals on Wheels” for the Antwerp Nutrition Center several years and enjoyed bird watching.

Joseph married Priscilla Marcellus on September 2, 1950 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church. The couple lived on Madison Street since 1965. Priscilla passed away March 20th.

Joseph is survived by two daughters, Juanita Griffin of Brownville, and Gina Benware of Antwerp; a son, Leonard Kirkby of Antwerp; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; a brother, Harry Kirkby of Evans Mills; and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife; parents; four brothers, Glenn, Arthur, Ford, and Howard Kirkby; and two sisters, Helen Blair and Vada Beck.

Calling hours will be Friday, June 4th from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. with a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. Ronald Sinclair, pastor of the Oxbow Presbyterian Church officiating and burial in Hillside Cemetery, Antwerp.

Memorial donations may be made to the Antwerp Vol. Fire Department and Rescue Squad.